Moorpark boy to compete in national  fencing championships  
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers GET THE POINT?—Moorpark resident Frank Sobisky, 13, has been involved in competitive fencing for about six years. He recently qualified for the Junior Olympics and is now nationally ranked.

Most little boys enjoy watching swordplay on TV or at the movies, but few are as zealous in their interest as Moorpark resident Frank Sobisky.

Following years of practice, the 13-year-old Mesa Verde student has qualified to compete in the National Fencing Junior Olympic championships. The event will take place in February in Albuquerque, N.M.

"Frank is a very dedicated fencer," said his coach, Karen Lieu. "Although he seems shy at first, he quickly warms up to people. He is very intelligent, determined and well-mannered."

"I just really like the sport a lot," said Frank, who's always had a passion for historical events and activities. "It's what I wanted to do since I was little, and it's pretty cool that I get to do what I wanted to do."

The local teenager's achievements in the sport of fencing are the result of his enthusiasm and determination, according to his father, Frank Sobisky, Sr. "He showed a lot of selfmotivation and initiative."

Frank joined his first fencing club when he was 7 and took part in his first competition about a year later, in 2003. Since then he's participated in numerous competitions throughout California and in Las Vegas.

"There aren't that many kids competing at this level," said Frank's mother, Kari Sobisky.

He's now refining his skills at the Los Angeles International Fencing Center in West L.A. with coach Lieu.

The sport includes three categories, using a foil, epee or saber. Each weapon is constructed differently and has different target areas. The weapons have an electronic tip that is used to detect touches when a partner makes contact with his or her opponent. The first to score 5 points in a bout is the winner.

"The sport of fencing is like a game of physical chess," said Lieu, who's been working with Frank for almost a year. The young man has a promising future in the sport, she said, because of his speed and perseverance.

"He is quick and has the ability to quickly analyze the situation against his opponent. And with his love for the sport, I think he can go far."

Frank prefers the foil, a thin, flexible blade with a small bell guard that originated in the 18th century. Foil technique emphasizes strong defense and a killing attack to the body.

In addition to building agility, coordination and sportsmanship, fencing also instills confidence, team-playing skills and a sense of worldliness, said Kari Sobisky, a former Marine.

"Fencing also is a gentlemen's sport, so there is a lot of chivalry and manners," she said.

Over the years, Frank has learned to relate to people of all ages and from all over the world.

Having qualified for the Junior Olympics, Frank is now part of an elite group of young U.S. fencers, Lieu said.

"The higher you rank in this tournament (the greater your chance) for a spot on the junior national team," she said.

Frank's passion for times gone by also led to his enrollment in history classes at Moorpark College, his mother said. He took his first college class when he was 11 and plans to continue his studies this summer.

Kari Sobisky said she spends a great deal of time driving her two teens to their activities.

Frank and his mom, who is also a history lover, make time to visit museums together.